What Does Success Look Like To You? – Dr. Mohiba Tareen

What Does Success Look Like To You? – Dr. Mohiba Tareen

Dr. Mohiba Tareen is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist and the visionary founder of Tareen Dermatology. She founded the practice in 2011 with a clear mission: to provide compassionate, cutting-edge care that addresses the unique needs of every patient. With a background in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, including a specialization in Mohs surgery for skin cancer, Dr. Tareen has built a practice that blends science and artistry to enhance patient health and confidence. She is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan, an inductee of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and a published author in prestigious medical journals. Dr. Tareen’s passion for innovation and patient care has made her one of the most sought-after dermatologists in the Midwest.

What Does Success Look Like To You?

For me, success has multiple layers. At its core, success means creating a positive impact—both in the lives of my patients and in my field. When a patient walks out of Tareen Dermatology feeling more confident in their skin, whether we’ve treated a medical condition or enhanced their appearance through a cosmetic procedure, I feel successful. Success is about those individual moments when someone’s life changes because of the care we’ve provided.

But beyond patient outcomes, success is about building something that lasts. I founded Tareen Dermatology with a vision of creating a place where people would receive not only the highest quality dermatologic care but also an experience that felt deeply personal and compassionate. Watching our practice grow into multiple locations while maintaining that patient-centered approach is deeply rewarding. For me, it’s not just about expanding but expanding in a way that stays true to our core values.

Success also extends into my personal life. As a mother of five, maintaining a balance between my professional and personal responsibilities is something I consider an ongoing success. It’s not easy, but knowing that I’m present for my children while also leading a thriving practice makes me feel accomplished in both areas of my life.

How Do You Measure Success Professionally?

Professionally, I measure success through patient outcomes and the trust we build with our community. When I see patients who return to us year after year, or when new patients come in because they’ve heard of the excellent care we provide, that tells me we’re doing something right. Dermatology is such a personal field—whether you’re treating acne, eczema, or skin cancer, the work you do has a profound effect on people’s lives. So, when patients trust us with their care and recommend us to their families, I consider that a professional success.

Additionally, success comes from watching my team grow and flourish. Mentoring young dermatologists and fostering a supportive, innovative environment at Tareen Dermatology is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. When I see members of my team step into leadership roles or bring new ideas that push our practice forward, I know that we’re building something sustainable and impactful.

What Has Been One of Your Most Defining Successes?

One of my most defining successes has been the creation and growth of our Gap Year Program for aspiring medical professionals. This program started as a way to offer hands-on experience to pre-med and pre-PA students while addressing the staffing needs at Tareen Dermatology. Over the years, it has evolved into something much bigger—it’s now a pipeline that has helped dozens of young people gain invaluable experience in dermatology, many of whom go on to medical school or PA school with a deeper understanding of patient care. Watching these students grow and succeed in their careers feels like a tremendous personal and professional achievement.

What Role Does Innovation Play in Your Definition of Success?

Innovation is a key part of what drives success at Tareen Dermatology. In dermatology, advancements are happening all the time—whether it’s new technologies for treating skin cancer or breakthroughs in cosmetic dermatology that allow us to achieve incredible, natural-looking results with less invasive procedures. Staying at the forefront of these advancements is crucial because it allows us to provide the best possible care to our patients.

But innovation isn’t just about the latest technologies—it’s about creating an environment where new ideas can thrive. That’s why I encourage my team to bring forward their ideas for how we can improve patient care, streamline our operations, or offer new services. The willingness to adapt and evolve is what has allowed us to grow while continuing to meet the needs of our patients in a rapidly changing field.

How Does Your Personal Life Influence Your View of Success?

My personal life plays a huge role in how I view success. Being a mother of five is one of the most important roles I have, and it shapes how I approach both my work and my life outside of the practice. My children teach me patience, resilience, and the importance of being present in the moment—values that I try to bring into my professional life as well.

I’ve learned that achieving balance between my personal and professional worlds is not about perfection but about being adaptable. There are days when my focus is fully on the practice, and there are days when my family needs to come first. Success, for me, means being able to navigate both spheres in a way that allows me to be the best version of myself for my family and my patients.

What’s Next in Your Pursuit of Success?

The future holds exciting opportunities for both me and Tareen Dermatology. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve patient care, whether it’s through introducing new treatment options or expanding our educational outreach to raise awareness about skin health and prevention. We’re also looking at ways to deepen our community involvement—giving back has always been a cornerstone of my philosophy, and I want to continue building that into our practice.

Personally, I’m committed to continuing my own growth as a leader, a dermatologist, and a mentor. Success isn’t a destination—it’s a journey, and there’s always more to learn and new ways to grow. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy of compassionate, innovative care that continues to benefit patients long after I’ve stepped back from the day-to-day operations.